Richard Froese
South Peace News
STARS air ambulance service continues to soar in Big Lakes County and the High Prairie region.
Again, the region was the busiest for the Grande Prairie base for STARS, says Glenda Farnden, senior municipal relations liaison for STARS (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service).
“You have been the number-one community for many years,” says Farnden, who updated Big Lakes council at its regular meeting Feb. 12. She made a similar presentation at High Prairie town council the previous evening.
“Big Lakes County area averages 40 missions per year,” Farnden says.
She notes that inter-facility transfers at the local health complex account for about half of the total missions in the region for the past three years.
North Gilwood – Triangle Councillor Jim Zabolotniuk says the numbers show a helipad on the site is warranted. He asked Farnden if STARS would be willing to work with council to get a helipad.
“How can we lobby government that we need a helipad?” Zabolotniuk asked.
Farnden says municipalities must lead.
“We can only provide information,” Farnden replied.
Reeve Tyler Airth said Big Lakes has lobbied both the provincial health minister and Alberta Health Services for many years to get a helipad.
“They tell us our numbers do not align with what is required for a helipad,” Airth said.
Several years ago, council passed a motion to contribute $25,000 in annual funding for four years from 2022-25.
“Big Lakes County is one of our municipal leaders in funding support,” Farnden noted.
STARS requests that Big Lakes increase its annual support to $30,000 a year.
“Thank you, Big Lakes, for your leadership and support,” Farnden said.
“Together, we enhance rural health care.”
She acknowledged that the Town of High Prairie is also a good regional partner, located inside the boundaries of the county.
